ISLAMABAD: Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb clarified that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement, wherein he expressed pride in being “the apple of the establishment’s eye,” was intended as a sarcastic remark.
She explained that the outgoing prime minister had made the comment in response to a journalist’s question. He later questioned why he had been imprisoned during the Musharraf era if he was truly favored by the establishment.
Aurangzeb elaborated that Prime Minister Shehbaz had questioned the validity of being considered the establishment’s favorite when he had been confined in Attock, Adiala, and Kot Lakhpat jails. She further noted that Shehbaz Sharif had been imprisoned both during General Kayani’s and General Musharraf’s tenures.
The prime minister also mentioned that during General Bajwa’s leadership, his daughters had been involved in legal proceedings with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
During a farewell ceremony, Shehbaz expressed his pride in being considered the establishment’s favored individual. He commented that a hybrid system that advances the country’s progress is more beneficial. He acknowledged that his working relationship with the military leadership had strengthened during his 16-month tenure, according to The News.
PDM Govt Assumed Power Constitutionally: PM Shehbaz
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that the PDM-led government overcame challenges and avoided default through tough decisions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asserted that the PDM-led government assumed power in April of the previous year. It encountered numerous challenges but effectively circumvented the risk of default through resolute and stringent measures.
The Premier said: “We came to power through a constitutional way and leaving (the government) in a constitutional way.”
